DACHSER extends Fraunhofer research partnership to advance logistics technology
Global logistics provider DACHSER has extended its research partnership with two institutes of Germany’s Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft through the end of 2029, reinforcing its efforts to develop digital technologies for logistics and supply chain operations.
The renewed agreement involves the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) in Dortmund and the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS) in St. Augustin.
Through the DACHSER Enterprise Lab, the partners will continue developing solutions focused on digitalisation, artificial intelligence and robotics, with the aim of translating research into practical applications across the company’s logistics network.
Research collaboration focuses on operational applications
Established in 2017, the DACHSER Enterprise Lab brings together logistics specialists and Fraunhofer researchers to develop technologies for the company’s groupage network and wider supply chain operations.
The extended partnership will focus on identifying and developing digital solutions that can improve operational processes and support the adoption of emerging technologies.
Stefan Hohm, Chief Development Officer at DACHSER, said the Enterprise Lab had demonstrated the value of combining scientific research with practical applications.
Over the next three years, the partners will concentrate on digital technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics.
The involvement of Fraunhofer IML and Fraunhofer IAIS brings together expertise in material flow, logistics systems, intelligent data analysis and AI-based applications.
Digital twin technology expands across European network
One of the most significant developments resulting from the partnership is @ILO, a digital twin solution designed for groupage handling operations.
The technology supports the digital representation of logistics processes, providing a foundation for improving visibility and coordination within cargo-handling operations.
According to DACHSER, the system is expected to be implemented at 14 of its European locations by the end of 2026.
The @ILO project received the German Logistics Award from the German Logistics Association (BVL) in 2023 and an award from the European Logistics Association (ELA) in early 2026.
Its development illustrates how the research partnership has progressed beyond laboratory work into operational applications within DACHSER’s logistics network.
Partnership extended through 2029
The latest agreement continues a research collaboration that has been in place for nearly a decade.
DACHSER intends to use the extended partnership to explore further opportunities for automation, artificial intelligence and robotics across its operations.
While the company has outlined its technological priorities, the announcement does not specify new investment amounts or confirm the deployment of additional robotics systems under the renewed agreement.
The extension establishes a framework for continued research and development through 2029, building on existing digital solutions and their application in logistics operations.
